[Two Weeks Later]
Hailey's POV:
I stared at myself in the full length mirror. The girl
staring back at me didn't look like the plain girl I had
known all my life-- like the girl I was just two weeks
ago.
She was different from my boring, plain self. She looked
beautiful with her dull brown hair tied in chignon, a few
tendrils framing her heart-shaped face, and her lips
were painted in beautiful shade of pink lipstick making
them look naturally beautiful and fuller. The skin of her
face was healthy and glowing, making her look fresh
and beautiful. Her cheeks were rosy giving the
appearance of a natural blush.
She was dressed in a pure white chiffon and lace dress.
The bodice was made up of lace, wrapping around her
chest like a second skin, while the skirt was flowing
down to her feet in silky mess.
I looked at the girl in the mirror and my eyes caught the
shiny pendant dangling from the white gold chain
clasped around her neck.
Unintentionally, my hand moved up to my neck and I
gripped the pendant while still staring at the girl in the
mirror who was no one else but me.
I was the one dressed in an elegant wedding gown; I
was ready to get married and start a new life with a
stranger in just a few hours. The mere thought scared
me, causing my grip to tighten on the pendant as if
seeking some kind of support. The presence of
something that was so special to me instantly relaxed
the turmoil inside me...
This piece of jewelry was valuable to me because it had
belonged to my mother-- my biological mother who
gave birth to me sixteen years ago. And wearing it
today make me feel that she was here with me, hiding
somewhere, but watching me taking the biggest step of
my life.
My bedroom door opened making me turn around to see
my dad.
"Dad, how do I look?" I asked him.
He smiled at me lovingly and said, "You look beautiful,
like your mother."
"You really loved her?" I asked him, seeing the emotions
in his brown eyes.
"I still love her and I love you. Don't ever think that you
are an unwanted child because I am glad that I have
you as my daughter," he said and placed a kiss on my
temple.
My dad grimaced as a tear rolled down from my eye,
leaving a wet trail on my face.
"Please, honey, don't cry; it will make your eyes red and
puffy. It wouldn't look good when we will take your
wedding pictures," Dad said, picking up the tissue from
the vanity table and drying my face.
I gave him watery smile.
He smiled and said, "Let's go. We need to leave for the
chapel."
I nodded my head and gave him my arm. He led me
down to where others were waiting for me.
After we were all settled in the car, the driver took us to
our destination.
When the car stopped, my dad and Emily helped me in
getting out of the car without ruining my dress.
Emily arrived a week ago. When she heard that she
didn't need to marry anyone and no one was forcing her
anymore because I would in her stead, she decided to
come back and see herself if it was true.
That's why she was here: to see if I was really getting
married or if it was a just a lie to bring her back home.
When I stepped out of the car, my body started
quivering, and to hide it I clasped my dad's arm. He
gave my hand a reassuring squeeze and we made our
way inside the church. With every step I took to enter
the church, my heartbeat accelerated to the where I felt
my chest would burst open at any moment.
Despite all the nervousness, I continued walking from
the aisle towards the nave of the chapel where the
priest and a man in black tuxedo were standing. I
couldn't see the man's face because he had his back to
me.
When I reached the center, my dad cleared his throat,
making the man turn to me.
With my abnormally beating heart, I took the risk and
glanced at him, freezing me the moment my eyes landed
on his face. The first thing that came to my mind was
that this beautiful, almost perfect man was Chase
Edwards.
My eyes stared at him, taking in all the features, from
his straight nose to his perfectly-crafted, sharp jaw and
the arrogance he had showed on his face. Then, my
eyes went to the mass of shiny brown hair on his head;
it looked messy, like he had been running his fingers
through it all day.
Then my brown eyes connected with his sterling grey
ones, which were filled with hidden anger and hate
urging me to run away from him and this church with
the intention of never coming back.
I couldn't fathom for my life why a beautiful man like
him would ever agree to marry someone like me: plain
and clueless.
My dad nudged me telling me to take the step so I
would be able to stand beside the man, but my legs
were wobbly making it difficult for me to make my way
to the man.
A man in a dark blue suit patted Chase's shoulder and
murmured something in his ear, which in return made
him clench his jaw.
I was ready to lift my dress and make a run for it when
Chase extended his hand towards me. I was caught off
guard by his beauty again and his act of giving me his
hand for a support made me think that maybe he will
not abandon me like other people did, in my life. My
hopeful nature made me think that maybe he would turn
out different from other people and always be there to
support me whenever I will need him.
I extended my shaking hand and placed it in his hand,
which was large and strong compared to my soft and
small one. He grasped my hand tightly and pulled me
towards him. His iron hold on my hand was hurting me,
forcing me to keep myself from hissing in pain. When I
was beside him, he dropped my hand as if I had burned
him. I was sure no one in the church noticed his hostile
behavior towards me, so I ignored it, feeling hurt, and
faced the priest.
The priest started saying something but I wasn't
hearing him. My eyes were downcast, staring at nothing
in particular, but thinking hard about the consequences
of this marriage that I will have to face. I can't change
my mind now. If I refuse, my dad and granddad will be
humiliated in front of these people and guests.
The priest's voice brought me out of my thoughts.
"Do you, Hailey Watson, take Chase Edwards to be your
lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold, from this
day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer,
in sickness and health, until death do you part?" the
priest asked.
His words sounded jumbled in my mind, but one thing
was clear: he and everyone in the church were waiting
for me to give my answer.
I took a deep breath and mumbled softly. "I do."
Then priest's head tilted towards Chase, who was
standing beside me with a stiff posture and his face set
like stone.
The priest repeated the same lines to him "Do you,
Chase Edwards, take Hailey Watson to be your lawfully
wedded wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward,
for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness
and health, until death do you part?"
"I do," he said, his husky voice causing me to shiver.
"Please exchange the rings," the priest said, making me
freeze.
I turned to see Emily with a small velvet box in her
hand. A thick platinum band was snuggled inside of it. I
picked it up with trembling hands and waited for him to
extend his hand. When he extended his hand, I hastily
pushed the ring onto his finger.
Chase had a similar band in his palm, but it has a tiny
diamond in the center. I extended my shaking hand,
allowing him to trap my finger in a strong grasp and
slide the ring on harshly.
My hand dropped to my side and Emily had a satisfied
grin on her face. I didn't know why she was suddenly
so happy. Maybe it was because she was finally free or
because she witnessed his insensitive actions and my
pain made her happy.
The priest's announcement pulled me out of my
thoughts. "By the power vested to me I now pronounce
you man and wife. You may now kiss the bride," the
priest said.
The simple word-- kiss --made my legs wobble. I never
thought about the part of the ceremony where I would
have to be kissed by my husband.
My heart was drumming in my ears because of my
nerves. I had never been kissed before, let alone stayed
in the presence of a boy or man for longer than a
minute, other than my dad and granddad. The mere
nearness of any stranger made me want to scream
"bloody murder" and make a run for it.
I was proud of myself for remaining composed for so
long in this church full of strangers, but the idea of a
kiss turned my world upside down.
I wanted to experience something beautiful, a kiss like
the ones in the stories, but I was scared of my reaction
and embarrassing myself in front of everyone. If he
kisses me and I will do something wrong, he might
dislike me more. In past half an hour I had concluded
one thing and that was that Chase Edwards didn't like
me at all; or maybe he was just angry to be bound by
marriage at a young age. But whatever reasons he has,
it was clear that he was not happy.
I took the risk of glancing around the church and saw
everyone staring at us, waiting for us to do something
worth cheering at after enduring the boring ceremony. I
moved my eyes to look at Chase's face, which looked
torn between pushing me down and doing what
everyone expected of us.
Suddenly he took a step forward, leaving a centimeter's
space between us and leaned his head down. I had
been anticipating this moment from the first time I read
how beautiful it feels to be kissed by your husband, but
I was cursing myself for being so inexperienced and
nervous.
I searched my mind for all the information I had learned
from the romantic novel. I got the chance to read it a
few months ago by hiding from the preying eyes of my
librarian who forbid me from touching any book that
wasn't an encyclopedia.
I waited to feel his lips on mine with my heart pounding
at a hundred miles per hour.
But I never felt them because he had curled them inside
his mouth so he would avoid touching my lips. There
was no kiss, just the presence of his mouth near mine;
it looked to people that he was kissing me. His breath
fanned over my cheek and his jaw touched the side of
my chin but I just kept staring into his eyes as he did
the same.
I would definitely hyperventilate from the closeness of
his hard, strong body if I wasn't too shocked and hurt
at his action. Everyone applauded, clearly missing what
just happened between us. He moved away from me,
breaking the eye contact while sending me small a glare,
as if telling me to keep my mouth shut. I felt an ache in
my heart making me want to lay down on my bed and
cry.
But I had to keep standing straight and pose like the
happy, newlywed bride I was supposed to be. I had long
accepted that I was not made for love, so I thought his
rejection wouldn't hurt me this much, but it did. I felt
like he had reopened the old wound in my heart.
Afterwards, we left church and I had to share the ride
back home with Chase. He was busy using his
cellphone, ignoring me and my presence for the entire
fifteen-minute ride.
My granddad was feeling generous, so he had arranged
a very nice reception in the backyard of our house. The
celebration lasted for two long hours. The guest we
invited was not many-- just a few of dad's friends and
my uncle, and aunts who are as happy as Emily to
finally get rid of the freak.
After spending the long hours with nothing but seeing
other people dancing and enjoying the celebration more
than me, I was fed up ready to bolt to my room
upstairs. At that moment, my mother came to remind
me that I needed to get changed out of my dress
because I will be leaving in an hour for New York.
I was aware of the arrangement for me to leave earlier
than the others because I needed to meet Chase's
granddad to receive his blessings and show them that
we respected his wish and fulfilled it. Mom came and
helped me to my room because it wasn't easy for me to
walk up the stairs in heels while I handled my gown.
When I reached my room, I thanked my mom and she
left me alone.
I hurriedly stripped off my wedding dress and got
changed into simple jeans, a loose, black, off-the-
shoulder top that looked comfortable for traveling.
Almost everything that I owned was loose except for my
undergarments.
When I went downstairs after getting dressed, I noticed
my bags were already in the trunk of the cab while
Chase was standing there. He had also changed into
simple jeans and a white shirt and was looking
impatient. I just hugged my dad and granddad. They
both placed a soft kiss on my head making me want to
cry but I held my tears back. Despite all the harsh
words my mother had thrown on me last week, I hugged
her and kissed her cheek. Emily made no effort to hug
me nor I her, and her eyes were full of hate, as if she
was cursing me as I slid inside the cab beside Chase.
That day, I left my old self at my house with the hope in
my heart that I might make this new family love. And I
made a wish that, hopefully, Chase Edwards would be
the first one to fall in love with me.
---------------------------------------------
-------------------------------
Chapter four
Hailey's POV:
When we arrived at New York airport the driver was
waiting for us outside to take us to his house. The
driver took the bag from my hand and put it in the trunk
of the car while Chase ignored me and got inside the
car after dropping his back on the ground for the driver
to put it in the back with my bag.
I glared at his back then got inside the car. Chase
stayed busy on his cellphone avoiding my presence. I
stared at the tall buildings and dozed off because of the
tiredness of the wedding.
Next I know someone was shaking me brutally making
me groan and slap away the hand on my shoulder.
"Wake up! I don't have time for this". I heard the angry
voice.
Groaning I opened my eyes and found Chase staring at
me with anger. In seconds I was awake and out of the
car.
I looked around the neighborhood and the beauty took
me off guard. A white color beautiful double story house
in front of me has a vast garden and give the vibes of
peace and calm.
Chase took our bags from driver and his way towards
the house and I followed him like a lost puppy. He
suddenly stopped outside the door and searched his
pants pockets then pulled out a key. He opened
unlocked the door and went inside without even
bothering to tell me to come inside with him.
I was hurt with the way he was behaving with me. I
was expecting him to accept me as his wife and
welcome me in his life but it looks like my dream of
happily ever after is not going to come true any time
soon.
I can understand that he wasn't ready for such a huge
change in life neither was I but now we have no choice
but to accept our fate.
At least he should be thankful that he has spent twenty
years of his life with his family that loves him and give
him freedom to do everything unlike me who stayed
cooped up behind the walls of her room and tried
everything to feel the acceptance from her mother.
I entered inside the house and shut the door. When the
lights were switched on I gasped at the expensively
decorated lounge. Everything in the house looked
extravagant and perfect.
I was pulled out from the dazed state when I heard
Chase voice.
"Follow me, your room is upstairs". Chase said making
his way upstairs with our bags.
I nodded my head even when I knew he wasn't looking
at me and followed him upstairs.
After the long set of stairs, four rooms came in my view
on one floor. Leaving the first three rooms Chase made
his way towards the last room in left corner.
He twisted the doorknob and pushed open the door then
he stepped inside with my bags and switched on the
lights of the room.
I stared at the room with my mouth agape.
He fakes coughed to catch my attention.
I turned to face him with the horrible blush gracing my
cheeks in embarrassment at my shock.
"This is your room. The room on the right corner is
mine". He said, sounding irritated.
"Thanks for showing me the room". I mumbled, looking
down at my sneakers feeling scared to make eye
contact with him.
He was quiet for a second and stared at me with
narrowed eyes making me look up.
"You're welcome. Now I hope to catch some sleep. And
if you want anything don't even think of disturbing me".
He said with glare.
I nodded my head in a silent okay.
"Be ready at 10 in the morning, we need to go to
hospital to visit my granddad". He said.
"Okay". I mumbled.
He gave me the last lingering glance then left me alone
in my room. I let go my breath that I didn't realize I was
holding while he was here.
Why does he scare me so much?
Oh God! How am I going to stand in front him and talk
to him without cowering back in fright?
I shrugged my shoulders and took the quick glance of
my new room. I realized that I liked it more than my old
room. This room was large and beautiful than the one
back at my home. The cream colored walls and baby
pink color curtains were great in contrast, it was too
girlish for my taste but who am I to complain.
My eyes went to the very comfortable looking queen
size bed in the center of the room, calling me to sleep
on it like a baby.
But I decided to unpack first and dragged my bag in the
center of the room.
After twenty minutes I was done unpacking all the stuff
that I brought here with me for tonight and set
everything inside the closet.
My other stuff will be delivered tomorrow so I didn't
have a lot of things with me and it took me few minutes
to unpack. I just had some necessities and clothes in
the bag that it didn't take much time to unpack.
I looked at the pajama shorts that my lovely half sister
put inside my bag with the note stating that I should
show my fat body to my husband so he will divorce me.
Good thing we are not sharing a room.
I had no other option but to wear the pajama shorts if I
didn't want to sleep naked. I picked my white tank top
and shorts then made my way towards the washroom
to take shower.
The washroom was large and pretty nice with white and
pink theme. There was a large bathtub on the side
inviting me in.
Changing my mind I filled the bathtub and lay inside
feeling my muscles relaxing in the warm water.
After the bath, I wrapped the fluffy towel around my
chest and another one on my head then put the
moisturizer on my body.
When I was done applying moisturizer I got changed
into my undergarments then pajama shorts and white
tank top.
I dried my hair with the towel because my hair dryer
was something that I thought wasn't necessary for one
day and packed it with my other things that will be here
tomorrow. And asking Chase for hair dryer means
disturbing him and risking my life so I had only one
option that was to towel dry my hair.
I opened the window of my room and breath in the New
York's air which made me sneeze instantly. My eyes
roamed around the neighborhood for few seconds taking
in other similar large fancy houses.
I felt my eyes dropping and made my way towards my
bed then flung myself on it. The feel of soft silky sheets
under me instantly made me fall in deep slumber.
( In the morning)
I woke up with the loud banging on my door. It took me
few minutes to sit up on the bed and recall where I was.
When I heard the angry voice calling my name, I was up
from the bed in seconds and running towards the door
like my life depends on it or in my case it really does.
I unlocked the door and opened it to find Chase
standing with the scowl on his face while I was panting
like a dog because of running.
He opened his mouth to say something but stopped.
Suddenly, his eyes were moving up and down, staring at
me from head to toe with his mouth agape.
I was so scared of him that I kept my eyes down and
stayed still too busy in calming my breath.
The cold chilly air came from the open window and
made me sneeze. Chase snapped out of whatever trance
he was in and looked at my face. He clenched his jaw.
"It's already nine am and we need to leave in half an
hour if we want to make a stop for breakfast before
going to hospital so get ready". He said.
I nodded my head not able to speak anything.
Chase looked showered and dressed in a black t-shirt
and jeans. His attire was casual but just like yesterday
he manage to look perfect.
Wow! It's already a day.
And he didn't dispose me last night. Good thing!
Giving me the murderous glare he left.
I closed the door and put my head on it then my eyes
landed on my night attire.
He saw me in shorts!
Will he divorce me now?
My mind screamed at me to crawl under the bed and
never come out but I was more scared of getting scold
by Chase again rather than dying. I hurriedly went
inside the washroom and did the routine work.
Then I got changed into the first thing that came in my
hand which happened to be my black jeans and cream
colored wool jumper.
I put my hair in a ponytail and went downstairs to find
Chase sitting on the couch in lounge. He was taping on
his cellphone probably messaging someone.
I was scared to disturb him and make him angry at me
again.
Chase noticed me standing and rolled his eyes. He put
the cellphone in his pocket of black leather jacket and
got up. Then he picked up his car keys and made his
way out. I realized that it's his way to tell me to follow
him.
His ignorance was hurting me and I wanted him to stop
being rude but I didn't have a power to tell him
anything, his all hard and angry demeanor made me
scared of him.
When I came out from the house he locked the door and
opened the garage. A shiny black car came into my view
and he unlocked the car door then we got inside the car
strapping the seat belts. He didn't even open the door
for me like gentleman's do in the romance novels I read.
When we were settled in the car he started to drive to
God knows where. I looked out from the window and
stared at the passing scenery. The car ride was so
silent that I was ready to fell asleep again if he wouldn't
stop the car outside the cute small cafe.
We got out from the car and made our way inside the
cafe to have breakfast.
Chase selected the corner booth for us to sit.
The waitress approached us with menus.
"Take a look at the menu and order something". Chase
said.
I stared at him dumbly because it was his first sentence
that sounded sweet to my ears.
"Take a look at the menu and order something". He
repeated making me jump back in reality.
I nodded my head happily and with the quick glanced at
the menu I ordered coffee with lots of whipped cream
and some blueberry pancakes.
Chase ordered sandwiches and black coffee.
I cannot even think about drinking a black coffee. The
mere smell and look of the black coffee make me
shudder. I like my coffee sweet with rich cream and
milk.
We were waiting for our food to arrive when I thought of
striking a conversation with him. It was really difficult
to find a right word to initiate a conversation with Mr.
Stone Face.
Yes, I have given him a name that will be stick to him
until I see he is real humane and not made up of stone.
Before I can think of much interesting words I have
already opened my big mouth and spluttered "It's a very
nice place and smells really good-like coffee".
And here I go embarrassing myself again because of my
stupid mouth that doesn't know how to strike a nice
conversation. I was busy cursing myself in my head
when my stomach growled. I was sure that he heard
the growling of my stomach.
My cheeks turned bright red in embarrassment.
I took the shy glance at his face and my eyes got stuck
at his beautiful face. I was mesmerized by seeing
something similar to smile on his face. It was a slight
twitch of his lips like a half smirk and smile but it was
beautiful making him look more human than robot.
I stared at him completely amazed.
My mind started imagining a full smile on his face.
Yesterday, I realized that he is handsome and have
great features but the constant scowl on his face
dampened his beauty and made him look dangerous.
The waitress came back with our orders and placed it
on the table.
The smell of the pancakes and coffee instantly filled my
nose and I wasted no time in devouring my breakfast
like a starved person.
"This place is my granddad's favorite. We used to come
here every Sunday after football practice when he was
healthy". Chase said.
I was shocked at first that he was talking to me and
sharing something about his past with me. Discretely, I
turned my head at the back to confirm that he was not
talking to anyone else that's standing behind me.
When I was sure he was actually talking to me I cleaned
my lips with the napkin.
"It means this place is full of memories". I said.
"We used to spend a lot of time here. This place has
our both happy and sad memories". He said taking a sip
from his coffee.
I was informed that his granddad has not been in good
condition for some time. According to doctors, he
doesn't have much time left.
When we were done with breakfast he paid for us and
we left the cafe.
After fifteen minutes of drive we arrived at a hospital.
The large board sated that it was St Martin hospital.
We walked inside the hospital and because Chase knew
the room number of his granddad room we didn't make
a stop at the reception.
When we arrived outside the room Chase turned to me.
"Hailey when we will go inside, we must look like a
happily married couple". He said.
I nodded my head understanding him and gave him a
reassuring smile.
I felt his hand moving; he placed his hand in mine and
laced our fingers together.
My heart started doing a somersault and blush appeared
on my cheeks.
Maybe this is the beginning of something new between
us.
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